• Oct 17, 2024
• News

What Are the Different Types of Cranes Available?

Yuantai Crane provides lifting products including overhead cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes and electric hoists.

Cranes are vital lifting tools in many industrial settings, ranging from manufacturing plants to construction sites and ports. Depending on the requirements of the operation, various types of cranes are available, each designed to suit specific applications. Understanding the different types of cranes and their unique capabilities can help companies choose the right crane for their operational needs.

Overhead Cranes

Overhead cranes, also known as bridge cranes, are among the most widely used cranes in industrial settings. They consist of parallel runways with a traveling bridge spanning the gap. The hoist, which is responsible for lifting and lowering the load, is attached to the bridge. Overhead cranes are used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, warehousing, and maintenance, where lifting and moving heavy objects is a frequent requirement.

Single Girder Overhead Crane

The Single Girder Overhead Crane is designed with a single bridge beam and a hoist that runs along the bottom flange of the girder. It is typically used for lighter to moderate loads. Single girder cranes are cost-effective and ideal for applications where space is limited and the lifting capacity does not need to exceed 20 tons. They are commonly used in workshops, storage facilities, and assembly lines.

Double Girder Overhead Crane

The Double Girder Overhead Crane is constructed with two bridge beams, making it capable of handling heavier loads and providing greater hook height compared to single girder cranes. The hoist is mounted on top of the girders, allowing it to lift loads to greater heights. These cranes are typically used in heavy-duty environments such as steel plants, foundries, and large manufacturing facilities, where lifting capacities may exceed 100 tons.

Underslung Cranes

Underslung Cranes, also called under-hung cranes, are typically suspended from the ceiling or roof structure, which makes them ideal for facilities where floor space is a concern. The crane runs on tracks that are mounted on the underside of the runway beams. Underslung cranes are used in environments where space constraints make top-running cranes impractical.

Explosion-Proof Overhead Crane

An Explosion-Proof Overhead Crane is designed for use in hazardous environments where flammable gases, vapors, or dust are present. These cranes are specially engineered to prevent sparks and electrical discharge, which could ignite the surrounding atmosphere. Explosion-proof cranes are commonly used in chemical plants, refineries, and other industries where safety is a top priority.

Electromagnetic Overhead Cranes

The Electromagnetic Overhead Crane is equipped with an electromagnetic device that is used to lift and transport metal objects, such as steel plates and scrap materials. The electromagnet can be switched on and off, providing precision in load handling. These cranes are frequently used in scrap yards, steel mills, and recycling facilities.

Grab Bucket Overhead Crane

The Grab Bucket Overhead Crane is fitted with a grab bucket mechanism that is used for handling bulk materials like coal, sand, or gravel. The grab bucket can automatically open and close, allowing for the efficient lifting and unloading of bulk materials. These cranes are often used in industries such as mining, waste management, and bulk material handling.

Gantry Cranes

Gantry Cranes are similar to overhead cranes but with one major difference—they are supported by legs that move on rails or wheels instead of being fixed on runways. Gantry cranes are often used outdoors or in environments where the crane structure cannot be supported by the building's ceiling. Gantry cranes can be used in shipyards, ports, and container handling facilities.

Double Girder Gantry Crane

The Double Girder Gantry Crane is designed with two girders, similar to double girder overhead cranes, but with legs that support the crane on the ground. These cranes are capable of handling very heavy loads, often used in large construction projects, shipyards, and container terminals. Their sturdy design allows for greater lifting capacity and stability.

Single Girder Gantry Crane

The Single Girder Gantry Crane is similar to its overhead counterpart, with one main girder. It is generally used for lighter to medium loads and offers a cost-effective solution for outdoor material handling applications. These cranes are ideal for tasks such as small to medium-scale construction work, maintenance activities, and storage yards.

Semi Gantry Crane

The Semi Gantry Crane is designed with one leg running on a ground track and the other supported by an overhead runway. This design allows for greater flexibility in terms of installation and movement within the workspace. Semi gantry cranes are often used in environments where part of the workspace is occupied by fixed structures, such as walls or columns.

Track-Type Container Gantry Cranes (RMG)

Rail Mounted Gantry Cranes (RMG) are specifically designed for handling containers in port terminals and container storage yards. These cranes run on fixed rails and are capable of lifting and transporting large containers efficiently. RMG cranes are widely used in ports and intermodal terminals due to their high productivity and capacity to stack containers several rows deep.

Jib Cranes

Jib Cranes are another important type of crane, designed for more localized lifting tasks. Jib cranes feature a horizontal jib or boom that supports a hoist, allowing it to lift, lower, and move materials in a limited radius. Jib cranes are ideal for smaller work areas where lifting is concentrated in a particular spot.

Pillar Jib Crane

A Pillar Jib Crane is a free-standing crane with a vertical pillar and a horizontal jib. The crane is anchored to the floor and can rotate 360 degrees, providing full coverage in a circular area around the pillar. Pillar jib cranes are ideal for lifting light to moderate loads in workshops, assembly lines, and maintenance areas.

Wall-Mounted Jib Crane

A Wall-Mounted Jib Crane is attached directly to a wall or vertical structure. These cranes do not require any floor space, making them ideal for tight workspaces. The jib arm can rotate horizontally, and these cranes are used in environments where the lifting range is limited to the wall area.

Wall Travelling Jib Crane

The Wall Travelling Jib Crane is mounted on a track along a wall or vertical structure, allowing the jib to move horizontally across a set path. This type of jib crane offers greater coverage than the stationary wall-mounted version and is ideal for long workstations or assembly lines where material needs to be moved over a larger distance.

Hoists

Hoists are the lifting mechanisms that form an essential part of many crane systems. They are used to raise and lower loads and can be operated manually, electrically, or pneumatically. Hoists come in several types based on the lifting medium, including chain hoists and wire rope hoists.

Chain Hoists

Chain Hoists are lifting devices that use a chain as the lifting medium. Chain hoists are typically available in manual, electric, or pneumatic versions. They are ideal for lower capacity lifts and are widely used in small workshops, garages, and maintenance facilities.

Wire Rope Hoists

Wire Rope Hoists use a wire rope wound around a drum to lift loads. These hoists are typically used for heavier lifting applications and offer faster lifting speeds compared to chain hoists. Wire rope hoists are ideal for industrial settings where high lifting capacity and durability are required.

Manual Hoists

Manual Hoists are operated by hand, using a chain or lever to lift the load. They are ideal for small-scale lifting tasks where electric power is unavailable or impractical. Manual hoists are used in smaller workshops or for occasional lifting tasks where load capacity requirements are modest.

Conclusion

In summary, there are numerous types of cranes available, each designed for specific applications and load capacities. Overhead cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes, and hoists all play a crucial role in lifting and material handling across various industries. Understanding the different crane types and their capabilities can help in selecting the right crane for your operational needs, ensuring efficiency and safety in lifting operations.